August 6, 2015 by IdealisticRebel

Adventures

Well, I am 98% unpacked and have visited the youngest grandchildren. A year ago, I thought that I was now at an age where I was too old for adventures. Then, I began to think about moving and as most of you know, I have moved to Asheville. It has been an adventure. You are never too old to change your life. Never to old to face new challenges or to see the world from a new perspective.

I am sitting at my desk in front of my bedroom windows listening to a symphony of toads, frogs, locusts, fish in the river, wind gently caressing the leaves on the trees along the river and the sound of traffic. My health does seem to be doing some better and my spirits are up.

I have had visits with old friends, I miss newer friends and I am beginning to make connections in the city. My oldest grandchildren fell in love with Asheville. They live in NC, on the coast. It is much more humid and somewhat warmer there.

I have a sense of anticipation and curiosity. I truly do not know what is coming. This feels exciting. I am on the third floor and no longer have a garden which I miss very much. The mountains and the river are full of so much life and I am going to do whatever exploring I can do.

A young woman I know told her mother she wouldn’t be able to help her because she did have a life. She does, but so does her mother and all of the rest of humanity. It is important to remember that we share this lovely world and taking some time to give to others is a privilege. We enrich each others lives and we can change someone’s day with a smile or a thank you.

As I sit here writing to you and smelling the beautiful air, I realize that the haters, liars, the selfish are not happy, or content. They are outside of this creation we call Mother Earth. I am glad I began this new life and I am sure many adventures are coming to my life. Some all ready have and have been exciting and some were harder, but I am here and grateful to the Universe for my courage to start a new life. Don’t let change scare you and don’t run from adventures. They could be the best things in life you have ever experienced.

Hugs to all, Barbara

A Red Rose for those who have died in War and for will in the Future

A red rose for all of you who are making changes in your life and in your world.

Pray together to increase the power

May 3, 2015 by IdealisticRebel

Memories of the Run for the Roses

Thirty years ago, I used to meet friends at Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. We would regroup from around the country. Louisville was the site for annual reunion and the Derby was the reason. I have many wonderful memories of the Oaks which runs on Friday. We would all dress up and go to the club house. Saturday, was our day in the in-field. Guys would arrive around 6 am and lay out our blankets to “save our spaces”. Derby day is one of the best parties in the country. Cheers and mint juelips under a beautiful blue sky.

As I watched the run yesterday, I saw the hats, I could smell the air and remember all of the love and laughs. There is nothing like standing up against the fence and watching the horses run. Mud flies and horses fly by and you are part of that excitement. I am good at picking winners but I have never bet more than $2. Life has changed all of our lives but the run for the roses is still one of my best memories. Cheers everyone. Remember the good times, the love, the laughs, the friendships and the 2 minutes of one of the greatest races in the country.

October 4, 2012 by IdealisticRebel

The Last Rose of Summer

Needlework by
Barbara Mattio

There is a bittersweet energy about October. I gaze out at my garden and a smile comes to my face. The roses continue to bloom despite cooler evenings. We are almost at the time to say goodbye to their gentle fragrances and delicate petals. A farewell to their beauty. Cool temperatures day and night will eventually take each last bloom and end its beauty. We are not bereft though as Autumn brings a brilliance of color as a consolation prize. So far, we have begun to see the green turning to vibrant colors of red, gold, orange and yellow.

It is the last gift of the cycle of life. The last brilliant colors before Mother Earth goes to her hibernation and the world turns white, gray and brown. It is a blessing to know that as the cycle spins it never stops and we will have a fresh, vibrant and exciting Spring. I love the anticipation of the renewal of the earth, with the springing up of the early spring bulbs soon to be a riot of color and a sudden rush of sweet fragrance.

For now, there is the bittersweet of the last of the flowers and the last of my beloved roses until the spring. Since this is the cycle of life, the promise that after a rest the world will renew itself and we will once again frolic among the flowers and trees.

So we say goodbye to the bees working hard at gathering the pollen and the ladybugs and the iridescence of the dragonflies. A last wave of the wings of a butterfly and the song of the cicadas at night. They will return in the spring and the cycle will begin again.

A Jewish Prayer

And G-d saw everything that was mad, and found it very good.

And The One said: This is a beautiful world that I have given you.

Take good care of it, do not ruin it.

It is said; Before the world was created, the Holy One kept

Creating worlds and destroying them. Finally this one was created and was satisfied.

Adonai said to Adam; This is the last world I shall make. I place it in your hands; hold it in trust.